Ethnological Notes
Morris Opler
[_]
Ethnological Note 1
The Chiricahua believe that an accident which takes
place while riding horseback, or some grave misfortune in connection with horses
may occur at the will of the horse involved as revenge for some neglect or
ill-treatment suffered. In the ceremony to cure the injured, the co-operation of
the horse is required. It is usually staked near the place where the ceremony is
held and appeals are addressed to it, in song and prayer, to undo the damage
that it has caused. The horse is usually led to the patient during the latter
part of the rite and if it neighs or demonstrates any interest in the patient at
this time, it is considered a fortunate sign and an indication that the animal
is relenting and will permit the cure to take place.
[_]
Ethnological Note 2
Chino is one of the informant's neighbors. The distance
is about one hundred feet.
[_]
Ethnological Note 3
That is, they removed the outer covering, leaving the
bare poles.